A better way to live

Five Quotes to Discover What Makes our old age Golden

Looking at our problems in a different way can brighten our days

One of my favorite Bible verses goes like this: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice.” Each day I’m alive is a gift; I want to treat it as one. I’m sure you do, as well. We old-timers are still walking the top side of the grass. Some members of my family and some friends are no longer with us.

I put together five quotes, and my jabs and pokes at each, to direct us to the sunny side of older age. Let me know what you think.

Oh my, my past

Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.” ― Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist.

If you have sleepless nights because of something you did or what you should have done, but didn’t, throw those thoughts in the trash can. If it is something you can make right, by all means do it when you pull the covers back. Don’t hesitate, make the phone call, schedule the visit and do the right thing. You’ll be glad you did.

I look at it this way: if I did wrong in my past, I have joined the other thousands of wrongdoers. Remember this: no one has a flawless history. You’re one of the many, but you’re alive and can correct it for sleep-filled nights.

If I could only

“When you align with what was, instead of what is, you’re not ready.” Bob Gass, American Christian pastor, and author.

When I look at the success of the people who replaced me when I retired, you know what? They’re doing great. But why didn’t I do what they’re doing? My achievements would be legendary. But that is my was, not my now. Let’s make the most of our ‘now.’ Living in my present is more entertaining than my ruminating of the past. You know what? I have had a good run and you have, too. We have lots of good in our history. Go ahead, pat yourself for the top achievements of the past, but don’t stay there. Rejoice in the present. Remember, we have family and friends who never made it to our age. Today is a good day to be happy.

You’re old, now what?

“There is no known cure for old age.” Chaplain Lowell B. Graves.

The only pill I know of for old age is the pill of enjoyment. Yes, I know we have aches and pains. People who say they don’t have them, God bless them. But aches and pains are my constant companions. I’m healthy, great. I know some of you are not healthy. I understand. No, I don’t know how difficult it is for you. What I do understand is we all face our health challenges on our terms. Four of my brothers and one sister have died in the last fifteen years. Each one faced a change in health in their own way. And that’s okay. I do know this: don’t allow pain to suck the joy of living from your life. I’m not saying it’s easy.

The older we are, the more thankful we become

“The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will have to express gratitude for. “- Zig Ziglar.

The one component above all others making old age golden is gratitude. A thankful heart cannot be bitter. You and I know older people who harbor bitterness about being old. Yes, I know sickness, loneliness and regrets can become the heart and soul of an aged person. At seventy-nine, I’m healthy, but I’m aware there may be things in my future that are not pleasant. Whatever happens, I will foster gratitude for what I have, not the losses. I encourage every one of us to make it our aim to be thankful. Keep a positive mindset.

A kind person builds a happy place

“A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” — Washington Irving, American short story writer.

The essence of kindness defines the people you and I want to be with. Isn’t that right? My years working in a factory put me side-by-side with a grump. He spelled negative with all capital letters. I showered before leaving the factory to wash away not only the gunk but the grumpy attitude clinging to my mind.

Now to some, kindness comes naturally; others have to make an effort to show kindness. But when we do, oh my goodness, we find kindness pays big dividends. Have you ever been with a kind person? You wanted to stay in their presence, didn’t you? Well, that is the person I want to be always. I want to leave people with smiles on their faces.

Your golden days are one thought away

I’ve discovered I have the power to make my day golden or broken. Which one I choose will make me better or turn my day into a train wreck. Friend, it’s up to you, too. Choose wisely.

Thank you for reading to the end, doesn’t always happen, but when it does I get goose bumps. For you who don’t know, a goose bump is a swelling of the skin. For me, I get joyful head swells. And, that’s a good thing.

Richard

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